We provide you with a detailed list of the ideal order and quantity of product you need to apply.
Now you know your skin type and can create a skincare routine with suitable products. But are you sure you're applying the right amount of skincare to your skin? And do you know the correct order for your routine?
See the article: What is your skin type?
The order in which you apply your skincare products makes a real and significant difference to your skin. If you don't follow this order, you risk compromising the overall effectiveness of your routine and even damaging your skin barrier. Skincare products should always be applied from lightest to heaviest because lighter products don't have the ability to penetrate heavier ones.
STEP 1: CLEANING
There's no need to use a large amount of product to cleanse your face; it won't increase its effectiveness. One pump is more than enough to cleanse your face. When mixed with water, cleansers generally lather, creating a larger quantity of product that you can apply from your forehead to your chin, as well as your neck and chest.
The best way to use a cleanser is to start with a dry face, then gently rub it in upward motions, carefully avoiding the eye area (unless the cleanser is specifically formulated for eyes). Rinse with lukewarm water, then finish with cool water. This helps tighten pores and stimulate blood circulation in the face. When drying, don't rub your face; pat it dry to avoid unnecessary pulling that can lead to premature signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Double cleansing with an oil followed by a cleanser is the best routine. Perform this only in the evening to remove impurities, makeup, SPF, pollution, and excess sebum from the skin.
There's no need to cleanse your skin in the morning, as it's already clean and the skin barrier, so essential for healthy skin, has been restored overnight. We recommend simply rinsing your face with lukewarm water or using micellar water on a cotton pad to remove toxins produced during the night.
The best time to exfoliate is in the evening, as this allows for deep cleansing of pores and enables the skin barrier to regenerate overnight. On the evening you exfoliate, you can apply a nourishing balm to help regenerate your skin.
STEP 2: TONIC AND ESSENCE
Regarding toners and essences, it's often recommended to apply them with a cotton pad. Besides being wasteful, a significant amount of your product is also lost this way. We recommend simply applying it with your hands and pressing your face to prevent the toner from evaporating. You can apply as much as you like if your skin absorbs it quickly, until it's thoroughly hydrated. You can also apply it between each step of your routine, as toner helps skincare products penetrate more deeply and prevents an oily residue.
STEP 3: SERUM
Apply your skincare products quickly after washing: Your skin shouldn't have time to feel tight. Every second that passes without serum or moisturizer allows the skin's moisture to evaporate.
Apply the serum to skin that is still damp from toner. The recommended dose is 3 to 5 drops. Gently pat until the product is completely absorbed. You can take this opportunity to massage your face with a gua sha while the serum is absorbing. Serums are highly concentrated in active ingredients and penetrate deeply thanks to their low molecular weight. They are therefore ideal for treating and correcting skin concerns. Apply them after toner and before your day cream.
For the morning, a vitamin C serum is recommended to combat damage caused by free radicals. It also brightens the complexion, stimulates collagen production, and prevents sebum oxidation.
In the evening, opt for a serum that targets one of your skin concerns. Choose an anti-blemish, anti-blemish, or anti-aging serum, as it's at night that the skin activates its repair process.
STEP 4: EYE CONTOUR
Specific care is needed for this often-used, thin, and delicate area, which lacks sebaceous glands. However, an amount the size of a grain of rice is sufficient to cover the entire eye contour. Contrary to popular belief, eye cream shouldn't be applied only under the eyes, but also above and around them. Follow the orbital bone! If you have any product left, you can apply it around your mouth. Use your little finger, which will exert less pressure on the delicate eye area than your index finger, to precisely target this small area without going over the edges. Applying eye cream will help reduce dark circles and puffiness and smooth wrinkles. It's also a good base for concealer.
STEP 5: CREAM
All skin types need hydration, even oily skin. The amount you apply depends on your skin type. The drier your skin, the more you can use. But regardless of how much moisturizer you apply, the key is how you apply it. Wait until your skin is completely dry after using your serum before applying the moisturizer. This will allow your serum (and its targeted benefits) to fully penetrate, rather than being diluted by the moisturizer. The moisturizer will create a protective barrier that prevents the serum and its moisture from evaporating.
In the morning, apply your cream using light, upward circular motions all over your face. This will stimulate circulation and give your skin a more lifted appearance. All skincare products should also be applied to your neck and décolleté, which should be treated as part of your facial skin.
STEP 6: OIL + RETINOL - NIGHTTIME ONLY
Oils are occlusive, meaning they seal in the skincare products you've applied previously and prevent them from evaporating. This maximizes the effectiveness of the active ingredients in your routine. Oils have the ability to penetrate all the layers you've applied before (moisturizers, serums, etc.), which is why they should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine. As with serums, a small amount of oil is very effective. Most of the time, two to three drops are enough to cover the entire face. Warm the oil by rubbing your hands together, then pat it on after applying your moisturizer. We recommend applying oils in the morning as the last step, only if you feel you need extra hydration.
However, all skin types need an oil or balm in the evening after applying retinol. Retinol is an essential anti-aging molecule to apply at night. For an even more effective routine, you can alternate by applying retinol five nights a week and a lactic acid serum two nights a week.
STEP 7: SPF
It can't be stressed enough: regardless of the time of year, it's important to wear sunscreen every morning to protect yourself from UV rays that can penetrate through windows and even cloudy skies. Applying your SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine (after moisturizer and/or oil and before makeup). Apply generously to your face and neck and make sure it's fully absorbed before applying your makeup.
- Holi (Sun) Firming and Plumping Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 - AGENT NATEUR
- Mineral Drops - Transparent Sunscreen SPF 50 - Niacinamide + Green Tea - ODACITE
STEP 8: MASK
Masks, on the other hand, require a little more product to be effective. Unlike most other skincare products, there's no fixed amount, as it generally varies depending on the product. That's why we advise you to follow the instructions regarding both the quantity and frequency of application.
As for powder masks, these should be removed before they are completely dry to avoid dehydrating the skin.
